Montessori Education at Snowflakes: Child led Independence
What You'll Learn
How Montessori develops both independence and academic skills
Why our blended approach outperforms "pure" Montessori for school readiness
What your child will actually do during their work cycle
The specific outcomes parents notice within weeks
Why Snowflakes’ Montessori Works for Your Child
At Snowflakes, our Montessori approach helps your child grow confident, independent, and school-ready while loving every moment.
With 22 years of experience preparing children for primary school in the borough of Ealing, we blend child-led intrigue into the EYFS structure so that any child can thrive no matter what their interests are or how they learn.
What Does Montessori Do for My Child?
Our Montessori program builds skills that our parents notice:
Concentration: Your three-year-old focuses for 20 minutes on tasks like pouring water.
Independence: Toddlers pour their own cereal without spills, proud of “I did it!” -
Academic Foundations: 90% of our preschoolers read simple books before school.
Confidence: Children tackle challenges, from puzzles to friendships, with joy.
Book Your Visit to see our approach in action.
I will start off by saying Snowflakes is such a great nursery, the staff are amazing they have truly set a fantastic foundation for my child's future. My son has been in Snowflakes since last year he's learnt a great deal since being in the nursery I'm thankful to all staff and the enriched environment that my son is thriving in.
S M
Parent at Snowflakes Lady Margaret Road
How Your Child's Interests Lead Their Own Learning
Structured Work Cycles: Learning with Purpose
Between 9:30 and 11:00 each morning, our classrooms transform into purposeful learning environments. Our qualified staff guide each child toward specific Montessori materials based on their individual development needs.
Watch a typical morning and you'll see:
A two-year-old mastering the pincer grip through transferring activities is preparing for writing
A three-year-old working with sandpaper letters, tracing with their finger is building muscle memory for letter formation
A four-year-old uses golden beads to understand that 1234 is actually one thousand, two hundreds, three tens, and four units.
This isn't random exploration. Every activity connects to your child's next developmental step, identified in our weekly planning meetings.
Practical Life: Skills That Surprise Parents
When parents first see our practical life area – with its child-sized jugs, brushes, and polishing cloths – some wonder why we're teaching household tasks. Six weeks later, they're amazed when their three-year-old insists on pouring their own breakfast cereal without spilling a drop.
These activities develop fine motor control essential for writing, sequential thinking that underpins mathematics, concentration span that transforms fidgety toddlers into focused learners, and independence that builds genuine confidence.
I cannot recommend Snowflakes enough!
The staff are great, and they’ve created a lovely environment for the children to learn and grow in. I’ve seen a huge difference in my son’s development since he started there.
Priya A
Parent at Snowflakes Norwood Green
Mathematics and Language: Hands-On Understanding
In our approach, they first hold two golden beads in each hand, combine them, and count four. They're not memorising – they're understanding.
Our mathematics materials progress systematically:
Quantity recognition through tactile materials (number rods, spindle boxes)
Symbol association connecting quantities to written numbers
Operations understanding using materials that make addition visible
Once a concrete understanding is formed we move onto abstract work.
This systematic progression ensures your child starts school ahead, with confidence. Learn about EYFS Tracking for how we measure progress.
Language: From Sound to Stories
Language development in Montessori follows the way children naturally acquire skills, but with purposeful support at each stage.
Spoken Language Foundation
(18 months - 3 years)
It begins with rich spoken language, we narrate everything:
Introduce vocabulary through real objects.
Play sound games that tune ears to the subtle differences between letters. "I spy something beginning with..."
Written Language Preparation
(2.5 - 4 years)
When children show readiness (not when they reach a certain age), we may introduce sandpaper letters.
They trace with their fingers while learning the sound - not the name - of each letter.
Moveable alphabet for word building before writing
This multi-sensory approach means children often write before they read, using our moveable alphabet to build words before their hands are ready to hold a pencil steadily.
Reading and Writing
(3.5 - 5 years)
By the time they do pick up a pencil, the muscle memory from tracing means letter formation feels natural, not forced.
Phonetic reading with carefully graded books
Creative writing with invented spelling is encouraged
Comprehension through discussion and retelling
Reading follows naturally when children realise they can decode the words they've been building.
Mixed-Age Learning: Natural Mentors
Why We Promote Mixing Toddlers and Preschoolers Before School
Our mixed-age rooms (2.5-5 years) recreate the natural learning of large families. Younger children absorb complex concepts by watching older peers. Older children solidify thier understanding by explaining to younger ones.
Watch a four-year-old showing a three-year-old how to carry a tray. The younger child learns the skill, but the older childs need to practice develops their own understanding by teaching.
How Your Child Benefits
They develop patience, clear communication, and leadership skills that can't be taught directly but emerge through authentic interaction.
Younger children see what's possible, absorbing complex concepts by observing. Older children develop empathy and responsibility, understanding that they're role models.
What Parents Notice
Older siblings naturally mentoring younger ones, increased patience with friends who are learning, and confidence that comes from being both teacher and student.
What You’ll See: Outcomes That Matter
Within the first month, families typically observe:
Increased concentration span during activities at home
Independent selection and completion of tasks
Careful handling of breakable items
Desire to participate in real household activities
By the end of their first year:
Methodical approach to problems
Pride in completing challenging tasks
Natural mentoring of younger children
Mathematical thinking in everyday situations
Before school entry:
Reading simple books independently
Writing with proper pencil grip and letter formation
Understanding of number concepts beyond rote counting
Social confidence from years of collaborative learning
Some words from parents
We've seen such amazing progress in her development, and it's clear she's both happy and thriving. The facilities are excellent, and what we appreciate most is how she's always encouraged to be herself in such a nurturing and supportive environment.
Norwood Green Review
Review On Google
My 2-year-old only attended for a few months but made huge progress. I could see the difference in his confidence and social skills. I am very grateful to the Lilac Room team for all their support. Even the office and management staff are very attentive and professional. Thank you Snowflakes.
Grand Union Village Review
Review on Daynurseries
Common Questions About Montessori
Is it too academic for young children?
Our approach follows each child's readiness. A two-year-old polishing a mirror isn't being pushed academically – they're developing concentration. When they show interest in letters at three, we provide sandpaper letters. The academics emerge from development, not force.
Will they cope with traditional school structure?
Reception teachers consistently report our graduates adapt better than peers. Three years of work cycles give them their own time management. Mixed-age collaboration develops social flexibility. Most importantly, they are empowered to know that learning brings as much joy as they choose. They're active participants in their education from day one.
What about creativity and play?
The concentration developed during morning work enhances afternoon creative expression. Children who can focus on practical life for 20 minutes bring that same intensity to painting, construction, and imaginative play. Structure doesn't limit creativity - it provides the skills to express it.
Your Next Step: See Montessori in Action
Reading about Montessori is helpful, but watching your child's eyes light up through their self-seeking discovery is transformative.
During your visit, you'll observe:
The calm, purposeful atmosphere of our work cycle
Children choosing challenging work independently
Our teachers guide without interfering
The joy of mastery on young faces
After 22 years and four thriving locations across West London, we've refined Montessori education to deliver what modern families need: children who are
Independent thinkers and academically prepared,
Confident individuals and collaborative team members,
Creative souls and disciplined learners.
Book your observation visit to see why parents who initially worried about choosing between independence and academics now tell us they're grateful they didn't have to.
Want to understand more about how we blend Montessori with the British curriculum? Explore our EYFS integration approach or discover our comprehensive School Readiness Program.
Need to know more?
Download Our Parent Pack
Grand Union Village - Branch Address:
8 Higham Mews
NORTHOLT,
UB5 6FP
Phone:
02088458998Regulatory Authority ID:
EY394004
Date Registered by
Regulatory Authority:10 Sep 2009
Lady Margaret Road - Branch Address:
100 Carlyle Avenue,
SOUTHALL,UB1 2BL
Phone:
02085716378
Regulatory Authority ID:
EY393991
Date Registered by
Regulatory Authority:02 Dec 2009
Comer Crescent -
Branch Address:
Comer Crescent,
Southall,
UB2 4XD
Phone:
02085716867
Regulatory Authority ID:
EY497465
Date Registered by
Regulatory Authority:27 Sep 2016
Norwood Green -
Branch Address:
St Mary's Church Hall,
Norwood Green Road,Southall,
UB2 4LA
Phone:
02085073222
Regulatory Authority ID:
EY561899
Date Registered by
Regulatory Authority:07 Aug 2018
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